Police Sergeant

About the Department

The primary purpose of the University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. Embracing the principles of community policing, the department collaborates with academic and administrative units, individuals, and organizations to support the university’s mission. The department delivers a comprehensive law enforcement program to ensure the highest level of safety, security, and service for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, consistent with the laws of the commonwealth and the policies of the university.

About the Role

The George Mason University Police Sergeant position involves exercising general police power within a specific jurisdiction to perform law enforcement, crime prevention, security, and related public safety functions while maintaining department standards in community outreach efforts. This role leads and directs staff, supervises police officers, and provides training to meet competency and accreditation standards. The position is considered Essential/Designated personnel and requires working varied schedules in a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week configuration, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies or natural disasters.

Responsibilities

• Enforces laws and investigates crimes and traffic crashes; enforces state, local, and university regulations; issues summonses, warnings, and data collection forms as required.
• Exercises discretion in a safe, fair, and balanced manner; provides law enforcement presence and crowd control at assigned activities and locations.
• Responds to radio calls and assignments; answers calls and complaints; assists fellow officers; investigates traffic crashes and ensures scene safety.
• Conducts interviews and writes detailed, accurate reports; preserves crime scenes and collects evidence; prepares for and attends court to provide testimony.
• Provides public services and assistance with sound decision-making and customer service; ensures courteous, professional, and bias-free interactions.
• Conducts proactive patrols and crime prevention activities; operates police vehicles and performs foot/bike patrols to observe violations and suspicious activity.
• Maintains public peace and provides current crime prevention technology and methods; participates in community outreach activities and events.
• Provides support to victims, witnesses, and persons in need; maintains professional relationships with university administration, Title IX, courts, and other agencies.
• Updates victims and witnesses on case statuses, arrests, and court procedures; assists with crisis intervention and mental health resources as needed.
• Executes Emergency Custody Orders and Temporary Detention Orders as required; submits referrals to Student Conduct or Human Resources for compliance.
• Complies with Clery Act as a Campus Security Authority; submits written reports of all defined crimes.
• Reviews and maintains knowledge of laws, policies, and professional standards; complies with FBI, VCIN, and CJIS policies for confidential information.
• Maintains physical fitness and certifications; demonstrates punctuality and accountability in attendance and leave policies.
• Promotes a positive professional image; reports concerns about inappropriate activities; works cooperatively to achieve unit and agency goals.
• Provides leadership, training, and direction to assigned officers; maintains active trainer/instructor certifications; conducts field training and roll call trainings.
• Ensures officers under supervision have resources and support; holds officers accountable with fair and consistent recognition and discipline.

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain an active, valid driver’s license that satisfies university requirements.
• Final candidates subject to Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) review; prior driving infractions may affect eligibility.
• Must pass criminal background, financial background, and works-with-minors checks.
• Must be able to operate university vehicles in accordance with George Mason University Vehicle Use Policy 1411.